hedfog - Shadows and Fog

hedfog

Shadows and Fog
self-released; 2017

​3.9 out of 5

By Seth Shulman

Shadows and Fog is one of the more interesting albums I have ever had to review. I must admit it took me a few listens to really get into the whole atmosphere of this album. It wasn’t the song writing that’s for sure, in fact the song structure is what kept me motivated to find the gold in this record.

Hedfog’s new album is a concise experimentation with Synthpop elements and original hooks that sometimes make you wonder where the direction of this orchestrated mass of futuristic sounds is going. This was a challenge for me sonically which I love, I really didn’t understand what I was hearing. But with a few more listens I could start to paint a picture in my mind of what was going on. I got a real Nine Inch Nails meets David Bowie meets LCD Soundsystem and what a treat that is. 

​My favorite track off the album is probably “Down.” This song sounds like he worked right with Trent Reznor making that deep gritty synth riff that powers the whole song through a hypnotizing experience. The arrangement will have you head banging the whole way through I promise anyone reading this. Having mostly been recorded at lead man Peter Greasley’s home studio in Brisbane, Australia, I have to give credit to the album’s all around cohesiveness.

I am big on how albums are recorded because that really is the distinguishing art from a band or solo act. To really characterize all of your intention into a concise album that is recorded and sounds good is no easy feat so I give credit to the album’s overall great production. 

Greasley borrows inspirationally from great acts such as The Pixies, The Presets and Kasabian. The influences meld together well to create a very original sounding effort.  “All Riders” is upbeat but reflective in sound and thought. It was a very original arrangement. I loved the piano work with the swing-esque drums tapping along with Greasley’s voice sounding sharp, clear and pristine. This album is certainly a trip. I would recommend it to you all. Give it a few listens and really sink into the gold.

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